“Today we started a journey that in principle will last three years, although our desire is for it to be long-haul.

“Our club is admired by millions of people for what our institution represents; it is synonymous with success but is also identified by its code of values.

“That is why it is so important to choose our partners well and today we have the honour to present an alliance with Codere, with which we have an important thing in common: a Madrid firm with universal appeal.”

Several betting companies have previously collaborated with football clubs. However, an association with Real Madrid is actually a big deal for any betting brand considering the attention and love the club commands not just in Spain but across the world.

World football superstar, Neymar, who is mired in a corruption case regarding his transfer from Santos to Barcelona, now runs the risk of spending two years in prison.

Not just that, but the Spanish prosecutors want the Barcelona forward to be charged with a massive $10.6 million fine.

Neymar isn’t the only individual facing the heat in this matter. The list also includes former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, and Neymar’s father Neymar Santos Sr who are also facing a potential incarceration of three years or more.

In 2014, authorities found out that Neymar’s original transfer fee of €57.1 million ($60.3m) was actually €86.2 million ($91m). DIS Esporte informed this to authorities. The company had moved to court for its 40% share of the high-profile transfer.

Barcelona FC’s former Club VP and current president Josep Maria Bartomeu, was also incriminated in the case and was then charged with tax fraud.

Neymar is one of the biggest names in the world of football. He endorses several brands included online poker website PokerStars.

Like Neymar, his friend and teammate Lionel Messi to has had his fair share of problems with tax authorities in Spain.

William Hill became the first online gambling company to attain a license to offer betting lines on esports competitions in Nevada.

William Hill, working in tandem with Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, can now accept wagers on video gaming contests.

Nevada Gaming Control Board, which handed Hill the licence, said the company will operate under Regulation 21.120, which permits “wagers on events other than a horse race, greyhound race or athletic events”.

In a statement, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval said:

“This announcement is a major step toward ensuring Nevada becomes the esports capital of the world.

“By embracing this unique opportunity and incorporating innovation and technology into our gaming industry, we’re expanding the potential of one of our oldest industries.”

Interestingly, the US state of Nevada is faced with uncertainty with regards to gambling on esports. Hence this decision definitely comes as a surprise.

The north London derby between Arsenal and Spurs is without question the biggest match of the Premier League’s Gameweek 18.

Considering the brand of football exhibited by the two sides and their current form, fans can expect a hugely entertaining encounter on Sunday.

There are doubts over the Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott’s fitness for the home side. While Hector Bellerin is likely to feature in the playing eleven, Lucas Perez, Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck remain out.

"We have to expect Tottenham to be at their best and respond really with a performance that will be effective. I believe the mastery on our side will be no matter who they play, how well they play, that we are strong enough to win the game," said Arsene Wenger ahead of the high-profile contest.

The Gunners are currently 2nd on the table with 23 points from 10 matches, while Spurs are 5th with 20 points.

Wenger’s men have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 league matches. On the other hand, Mauricio Pochettino’s side has won 2 and drawn 3 of its last 5 league games.

In the last five meetings between the two sides, Spurs and Arsenal have come on top once each, while the remaining matches ended in a stalemate.

Overall, the two teams have clashed 48 times in the Premier League. Arsenal have dominated the contest with 18 wins as compared to Spurs’ 10.

Arsenal will go in as clear favorites for this one. However, this derby was thrown up some intriguing moments of late. Both sets of fans will hope they have the bragging rights when the final whistle is blown at the Emirates.